Sigourney Weaver Eyes Ripley’s Return in New Alien Script
Sigourney Weaver teases a possible comeback as Ellen Ripley, having read a fresh 50-page script for the Alien franchise. The project is in its infancy, but Weaver is open to developing the story further.
While promoting her latest journey to Pandora for Avatar: Fire & Ash, Sigourney Weaver has dropped hints that a return to the world of xenomorphs could be on the cards. The celebrated actress, who has led four instalments of the Alien saga, recently shared an update on a mysterious script she first mentioned last October. This new story would see Ellen Ripley once again facing the terrors of LV-426, contending with facehuggers and ensuring their offspring are dispatched into the void. However, as with any hypersleep, patience is required. Weaver remarked,
“You know, we’re just taking it one step at a time. It is very interesting. I hope we do it, because I think it will be wonderful. I think the fans will enjoy it, but it’s very early days.”
Ripley’s Next Chapter?
The last time Weaver spoke about this untitled script, she revealed it had been penned by Walter Hill, a long-time producer of the Alien series. The draft, spanning 50 pages, reportedly brings Ripley back into the fray after she is imprisoned for attempting to shield humanity from danger. Weaver explained,
“I said I have never felt the need. I was always like, ‘Let her rest, let her recover.’ But what Walter has written seems so true to me as very much about the society that would incarcerate someone who has tried to help mankind. She’s a problem to them, so she’s sort of tucked away. Anyway, I think it’s a very strong first 50 pages, and I’m thinking about working with Walter to see what the rest of the story would be.”
Franchise in Fine Form
At present, the Alien universe is enjoying something of a renaissance. The recent cinematic release of Alien: Romulus has been met with enthusiasm, and Noah Hawley’s television series, Alien: Earth, has also drawn praise. Meanwhile, the Predator franchise has begun to intertwine with Alien, most notably through Predator: Badlands. With so much activity, the timing seems rather apt for Ripley to make a dramatic reappearance and face the Alien queen once more.